Reliving ODI’s first-ever hat-trick by Jalaluddin

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Not sure how many of the modern generation of the game’s followers know about it but the fact remains that limited overs international cricket was introduced accidentally on January 5, 1971. The first-ever One-day International was abruptly organized between hosts Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground only when the New Year Test between the two traditional rivals was abandoned due to rain.

It was more than 11 years and 157 matches later when the first-ever hat-trick in ODIs was finally recorded on September 20, 1982 at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad (Sindh). The 23-year-old Jalaluddin, the tall fast bowler from Karachi, immortalized himself by achieving the feat which also earned Pakistan 59-run victory over Australia in the opening encounter of three-match series. 

Although the final margin suggested otherwise, it was far from a one-sided win for the hosts. The Aussies were very much in the hunt for the target of 230 in 40 overs when Jalaluddin, already having dismissed the great left-hander, Allan Border, came on to bowl what turned out to be a most sensational over. 

He started the slump by castling the dangerous Rodney Marsh and then accounted for Bruce Yardley and Geoff Lawson on the next couple of deliveries to complete a hat-trick, the first in the history of ODIs. The hat-trick derailed Australia completely as the crashed from 162 for four to 162 for seven in a matter of three deliveries. 

They were eventually restricted to 170 for nine in 40 overs with the tailenders, Jeff Thomson and Terry Alderman, unable to hit out in the final overs. Jalaluddin, with a four-wicket haul, was credited for also bowling Pakistan to victory besides achieving the first-ever hat-trick. 

The kind of impact Jalaluddin made in his initial appearances at the international level, he was supposed to play many more matches for the country than actually he did. He was sidelined unjustly and treated harshly by the selectors as well as the movers and shakers of the game in Pakistan. It was nothing short of tragedy that he was fielded in only six Tests and eight ODIs despite the enormous talent he possessed. 

The politicking and victimization during his playing days did not deter from delivering the goods as a coach, organizer and administrator after hanging his boots. He revolutionized the concept of cricket coaching in Pakistan with his scientific approach and he succeeded in putting to use his wealth of knowledge admirably to continue producing and grooming innumerable promising youngsters. 

Despite his unmatchable track record, his services have yet not been acquired properly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for reasons best known to the people having headed the body from time to time. It’s an open secret that he has the vision and the remedy to turn the Pakistan cricket around, if provided an opportunity. 

Isn’t it a shame that incapable and incompetent coaches of all kinds have been tried in the recent past but Jalaluddin was hardly ever offered a worthy assignment to arrest the decline of Pakistan cricket? Hopefully better sense will prevail in near future. 

For the moment, Jalaluddin has relocated in USA, where cricket remains his passion too as he could be watched and viewed contributing his bit in the grounds. Recently, he was happily celebrating the 42nd anniversary of his hat-trick in Houston with his trainees. “September 20, 1982 indeed was a memorable day of my life and cricket history,” he reiterated.